In the vibrant world of festivals, sustainability has become more than just a buzzword—it’s a necessity. The Sustafest project, commissioned by the Flemish Government and executed by VITO, is at the forefront of this green revolution, bringing together festival organizers and sustainability experts to tackle environmental challenges in the events industry.
The Water Challenge
Water is essential at festivals, but consumption quickly adds up. From keeping attendees hydrated to maintaining hygiene facilities, water usage presents significant environmental challenges for event organizers. The question becomes: how can festivals implement thoughtful water management while creating unforgettable experiences?
The latest episode of the Sustafest podcast dives deep into this question, featuring insights from industry leaders. Joris Beckers from Tomorrowland/Love Tomorrow and Nina Lambrecht from STROOM share their practical approaches to optimising water consumption at their respective festivals.
Discover the podcast: https://sustafest.be/nl/podcast-water
Water Reuse Innovation
The podcast explores innovative water reuse strategies that balance technical feasibility with regulatory requirements. For festival organizers asking the crucial question “Can we reuse water, and if so, how do we best approach it?”, Beckers and Lambrecht provide valuable insights based on their implementation experiences. Their practical guidance includes specific methods for treating and repurposing water safely, case studies of successful water recycling at major events, and navigation strategies for the sometimes complex regulatory landscape. These real-world examples demonstrate that water reuse isn’t just environmentally responsible—it can also be economically beneficial when implemented thoughtfully.
Beyond Conservation
The initiative recognises that educating and engaging attendees in sustainability practices can significantly amplify the impact of organisational changes. When festival-goers understand the importance of responsible water usage, they become active participants in conservation efforts rather than passive consumers, creating a culture of sustainability that extends beyond the festival grounds.
The Sustafest podcast also addresses several related water management concerns, including:
- Preventing water pollution at festival sites
- Exploring alternative water sources
- Understanding the broader environmental impact of water usage
Collaborative Approach
What makes Sustafest unique is its collaborative approach. By creating a platform where festival organizers can learn from sustainability experts and from each other, the project is fostering innovation across the industry. These conversations aren’t just theoretical—they’re leading to actionable strategies that festivals across Flanders are implementing.
